Stackable pots for plants

ABSTRACT

A pot for a plant may include a container having an axis that is vertical, a base, a sidewall extending upward from the base, an interior, an exterior, drain holes extending from the interior to the exterior and an interior bottom. The container may be configured to receive and be stacked with a second container inside of the container. In one example, the legs of the second container may be configured to extend through the drain holes of the container beyond the interior bottom of the container. In another example, the legs of the second container may be visible from the exterior of the first container.

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese UtilityModel App. No. 201520052400.7, filed Jan. 26, 2015, and granted on Aug.5, 2015, as CN Utility Model 204518620 U; Chinese Utility Model App. No.201520052404.5, filed Jan. 26, 2015, and granted on Aug. 5, 2015, as CN204518621 U; Chinese Design Patent App. No. 201530022821.0, filed Jan.26, 2015, and granted on Aug. 5, 2015, as design patent CN 303318173 S;Chinese Design Patent App. No. 201530022909.2, filed Jan. 26, 2015, andgranted on Aug. 5, 2015, as design patent CN 303318174 S; MexicanUtility Model App. No. MX-U-2015-000295, filed Jun. 2, 2015, and MexicanUtility Model App. No. MX-U-2015-000296, filed Jun. 2, 2015, all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Disclosure

The present invention relates in general to pots and, in particular, toa system, method and apparatus for stackable pots for plants.

Description of the Related Art

Berry plants, such as blueberry plants, are well suited for growth in acontainer due to their shallow root system that allows swift adaptationto reduced space. Blueberry roots are fibrous and have a smallextension, and since they do not have hairs, the younger roots are theones responsible for nutrients intake.

Another reason for growing blueberries in containers is that theyrequire a specialized soil with a low and acid pH ranging between 4.5and 4.8. With in-ground plantings, maintaining this low pH may require aconcerted, ongoing effort, whereas by using a container or pot it ispossible to create the ideal soil pH at planting time.

One method of growing in containers uses a pot described in USD426490,which provides a square pot, not showing any particular benefit forblueberries since its flat base is in direct contact with the ground.USD415065 discloses a pot of square structure with an upper peripheralborder and vertical parallel bars equidistantly distributed over itsouter sidewalls. This pot does not showcase a drainage system effectiveenough for blueberry growing. USD466829 discloses a pot of irregularsquare body with an independent element capable of being assembled inthe base by way of a clamping system. In spite of exhibiting squarestructures, these pots do not have a base adequately engineered to allowproper packing and transportation. Furthermore, these pots are notfavorable for high density blueberry production since they do notdisplay space enough between the base and the ground thus preventing anefficient drainage of liquid waste produced as a consequence of plantgrowing. Improvements in plant-growing containers continue to be ofinterest.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of a pot for a plant may include a container having an axisthat is vertical, a base, a sidewall extending upward from the base, aninterior, an exterior, drain holes extending from the interior to theexterior and an interior bottom. The container may be configured toreceive and be stacked with a second container inside of the container.The second container can be substantially identical to the container. Inone example, the legs of the second container may be configured toextend through the drain holes of the container beyond the interiorbottom of the container. In another example, the legs of the secondcontainer may be visible from the exterior of the first container.

In another embodiment, a stack of containers may include a firstcontainer having an axis that is vertical, a base, a sidewall extendingaxially upward from the base, an interior, an exterior, drain holesextending from the interior to the exterior, an interior bottom, a rimat an upper portion and legs at a lower portion. A second container,substantially identical to the first container, may be stacked inside ofthe first container, such that both the rim and the legs of the secondcontainer are visible from the exterior of the first container.

In still another versions, a pot for a plant may include a containerthat is round and has an axis that is vertical, a base, a sidewallextending upward from the base, an interior, an exterior, at least twodifferent types of drain holes extending from the interior to theexterior, an interior bottom, and legs extending downward from the base.A first type of drain hole may be located adjacent a perimeter of thebase in at least one of the sidewall and the base. A second type ofdrain hole may be located in the base and comprises a plurality of holesconfigured in a radial array. The legs may include substantially flatfins that are configured in a radial array.

Another embodiment for a pot for a plant may include a container that isrectangular and has an axis that is central and vertical, a base,sidewalls extending upward from the base, an interior, an exterior, atleast two different types of drain holes extending from the interior tothe exterior, an interior bottom that is not flat, and legs extendingdownward from the base. A first type of drain hole may be formed in atleast one of the sidewall and the base, and located adjacent a perimeterof the base. A second type of drain holes may be located in the base andat a different vertical elevation that the first type of drain holes.

Yet another version of a pot for a plant may include a container havingan axis that is vertical, a base, a sidewall extending upward from thebase, an interior, an exterior, drain holes extending from the interiorto the exterior, an interior bottom, and legs extending downward fromthe base. The base may be removably coupled to the sidewall such thatthe base and the sidewall comprise two separate components that areconfigured to be assembled together.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of these embodiments willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appendedclaims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the features and advantages of theembodiments are attained and can be understood in more detail, a moreparticular description may be had by reference to the embodimentsthereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. However, thedrawings illustrate only some embodiments and therefore are not to beconsidered limiting in scope as there may be other equally effectiveembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a lower isometric view of a first embodiment of a pot.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the pot of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the pot of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the pot of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of three of the pots of FIG. 1 stacked together.

FIG. 6 is a sectional side view of the pots of FIG. 5, taken along theline 6-6.

FIG. 7 is an upper isometric view of a second embodiment of a pot.

FIG. 8 is a lower isometric view of the pot of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the pot of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the pot of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the pot of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a top isometric view of three of the pots of FIG. 7 stackedtogether.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the pots of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of the pot of FIG. 7, taken along theline 14-14 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a top isometric view of another embodiment of a pot.

FIG. 16 is a bottom isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a pot.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the pot of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a sectional side view of the pot of FIG. 16, taken along theline 18-18 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a sectional side view of two of the pots of FIG. 16, stackedone inside the other.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of a system, method and apparatus for pots for plants aredisclosed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, an embodiment of a potfor a plant may comprise a container 21 having an axis 23 that isvertical. Embodiments of container 21 may include various sizes andshapes, such as 10 liter round, 25 liter round (e.g., FIGS. 1-6), 10liter square (e.g., FIGS. 7-13), 25 liter square, etc. Other embodimentsmay include a profile shape that is cylindrical, frustoconical,polygonal, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or still other shapes.

Versions of the container 21 may include a base 25, a sidewall 27extending upward from the base 25, an interior 29 (FIG. 3), an exterior31 and legs 32 extending downward from the base 25. Some versions of thecontainer 21 may be opaque, such as not translucent and not transparent.Embodiments of the container 21 may be configured to be used without atray to capture or retain fluid in the container 21 during operation,such that the drain holes 33, 35, 37 remain uncovered and unhinderedduring operation at all times.

In addition, embodiments of the container 21 may include one or moretypes of drain holes (e.g., three types of drain holes 33, 35, 37 areillustrated). The drain holes 33, 35, 37 may extend from the interior 29to the exterior 31. Container 21 may include an interior bottom 39. Inone version, a plane 41 (FIG. 2) may be defined within the interior 29.For example, the plane 41 may be defined by the interior bottom 39,which can be substantially flat, such that the plane 41 is an axiallylowermost plane in the interior 29 and substantially perpendicular tothe axis 23.

In other versions, the interior bottom 39 may be slightly conical, withan apex at axis 23, in either a concave or convex configuration whenviewed from the exterior 31.

Embodiments of the container 21 may be configured to receive and bestacked with other containers 21, such as containers 21 b and 21 c inFIGS. 5 and 6, inside each other. The containers 21 may be substantiallyidentical to each other. Versions of the containers 21 may include thelegs 32 b of a second container 21 b being configured to extend throughthe drain holes 37 of the first container 21 beyond the interior bottom39 of the first container. For example, the legs 32 b of the secondcontainer 21 b may be visible from the exterior 31 of the firstcontainer 21. In some versions, the interior bottom 39 is an axiallylowermost portion of the interior 29 of the container 21, such that thelegs 32 b of the second container 21 b may be configured to extendaxially below the interior bottom 39. In another example, the legs 32 bof the second container 21 b may be configured to extend below alowermost portion of the exterior of the base 25.

In some embodiments, a percentage of an axial length of the legs 32 b ofthe second container 21 b are visible from the exterior 31 of the firstcontainer 21. For example, the percentage can be at least about 10%,such as at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, atleast about 50%, or even at least about 60%. In other versions, thepercentage can be not greater than 100%, such as not greater than 80%,or even not greater than 70%. Other embodiments of the percentage can bein a range between any of these values.

In other embodiments of the container 21, when stacked, an axialdistance of separation between the container 21 and the second container21 b may be configured to be a selected value. For example, the axialdistance can be not greater than about 25 mm, such as not greater thanabout 20 mm, not greater than about 15 mm, not greater than about 10 mm,or even not greater than about 5 mm. In other versions, the axialdistance can be at least about 1 mm, such as at least about 3 mm, atleast about 5 mm, or even at least about 10 mm. The axial distance canbe in a range between any of these values.

Embodiments of the container 21 may include bottoms of the legs 32 b ofthe second container 21 b to be configured to be axially spaced apart byan axial distance from bottoms of the legs 32 of the container 21. Forexample, the axial distance can be not greater than about 25 mm, such asnot greater than about 20 mm, not greater than about 15 mm, not greaterthan about 10 mm, not greater than about 5 mm. In other versions, theaxial distance can be at least about 1 mm, such as at least about 3 mm,at least about 5 mm, or even at least about 10 mm. The axial distancecan be in a range between any of these values.

In another embodiment, the container 21 may include an upper portion,such as a top rim 81 (FIGS. 5 and 6) and a lower portion, such as legs32. The second container 21 b may be substantially identical to andstacked inside the container 21. In an example, both the top rim 81 band the legs 32 b of the second container 21 b are visible from theexterior 31 of the container 21.

As described herein, the drain holes 33, 35, 37 may include at least twodifferent types of drain holes. For example, a first type of drain hole33 may include substantially rectangular drain holes. The first type ofdrain hole 33 may be located in at least one of the base 25 and thesidewall 27. Versions of the first type of drain hole 33 may be locatedadjacent a perimeter of the base 25.

Embodiments of a second type of drain hole 35 may include circular drainholes. In an example, the second type of drain hole 35 may be located inthe base 25. The second type of drain hole 35 may include a plurality ofholes configured in a radial array, as shown. Versions of the radialarray may extend from adjacent the axis 23 to adjacent a perimeter ofthe base 25.

Versions of a third type of drain hole 37 may include elongated slotdrain holes. For example, the third type of drain hole 37 may be locatedin the base 25. The third type of drain hole 37 may include a pluralityof holes configured in a radial array. The radial array may extend fromadjacent the axis 23 to adjacent a perimeter of the base 25.

In the illustrated embodiments, the legs 32 may comprise various shapes,such as substantially flat fins. For example, the flat fins may berectangular. Versions of the legs 32 may be formed in a radial array. Inan example, the radial array may extend from adjacent the axis 23 toadjacent a perimeter of the base 25. A version of the legs 32 can besubstantially perpendicular to the base 25. In an embodiment, the legs32 may be substantially perpendicular to a tangent of the sidewall 27.

Embodiments of at least some of the legs 32 have opposing side surfaces51, 53 (FIGS. 1 and 4). The opposing side surfaces 51, 53 of the legs 32b (FIGS. 5 and 6) of the second container 21 b may be configured to bevisible from the exterior 31 of the first container 21. Versions of thelegs 32 can have opposing end surfaces 55, 57 (FIG. 1). The opposing endsurfaces 55, 57 of the legs 32 b of the second container 21 b may beconfigured to be visible from the exterior 31 of the first container 21.In an example, the opposing side surfaces 51, 53 may be substantiallyperpendicular to the opposing end surfaces 55, 57.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-13, other embodiments of a container 121 mayinclude substantially rectangular shapes. The various embodimentsdepicted herein may utilize any of the features or elements describedfor the other embodiments. For example, a round container may be tieredas described herein. For ease of reference, the reference numerals ofthe rectangular embodiments essentially track the reference numerals ofthe round embodiments, other than using a third digit (i.e., being inthe 100's, rather than just two digits).

For example, container 121 can have at least one type of drain hole, andis illustrated with three types of drain holes 133, 135, 137. In someversions, at least some of the drain holes 133, 135, 137 may be locatedat at least two different vertical elevations with respect to the axis123. In other versions, the drain holes 133, 135, 137 may be located atat least three different elevations. In the illustrated embodiments, theinterior bottom 139 is not completely flat. For example, the interiorbottom 139 may be tapered, tiered, terraced, pyramidal, conical or stillother shapes. In one example (FIG. 14), a highest elevation of theinterior bottom 139 may be at the axis 123. In another example, a lowestelevation of the interior bottom 139 may be adjacent the sidewall 127.

Embodiments of the first type of drain hole 133 may includesubstantially rectangular drain holes. Versions of the first type ofdrain hole 133 may be located in at least one of the base 125 and thesidewall 127. The first type of drain hole 133 may be located adjacent aperimeter of the base 125. A version of the sidewall 127 may includesidewalls 127 that are flat, and the first type of drain hole 133 may belocated along the flat sidewalls 127. In another version, the first typeof drain hole 133 may include an inner portion 134 (FIG. 8) that isfluted.

In some embodiments, the second type of drain hole 135 may includecircular drain holes. The second type of drain hole 135 an be located inthe base 125. A version of the second type of drain hole 135 may includea plurality of holes, which may be configured in square arrays, asshown. In an example, the square arrays may be concentric. In anotherexample, the square arrays may be located at different verticalelevations with respect to the axis 123.

Embodiments of the third type of drain hole 137 may include corner drainholes. Versions of the third type of drain hole 137 may include arounded outer portion 138 (FIG. 8) and straight side edges 140. Inaddition, the third type of drain hole 137 may include an inner portion142 that is fluted.

In other embodiments, at least some of the drain holes 133, 135, 137align and coincide with the legs 132. For example, the legs 132 mayextend from said at least some of the drain holes 133, 137. In someversions, the legs 132 may be complementary in shape to said at leastsome of the drain holes 133, 137.

Embodiments of the container 121 may further include side wallextensions 161 between the legs 132. The side wall extensions 161 mayextend vertically downward with respect to the axis 123 between the legs132. In one version, the side wall extensions 161 comprise notches 163between the legs 132.

Referring now to FIG. 15, another embodiment of a container 221 mayinclude at least two separate components. As stated herein, the variousembodiments depicted may utilize any of the features or elementsdescribed for the other embodiments. For ease of reference, thereference numerals of the present embodiment essentially track thereference numerals of the other embodiments, other than being in the200's.

For example, the base 225 may be removably coupled to the sidewall 227.In some versions, the base 225 and the sidewall 227 may include twoseparate components that are configured to be assembled together. In oneexample, the base 225 and the sidewall 227 may be formed from twodifferent materials. A version of the base 225 may be thicker than thesidewall 227, or vice versa. Embodiments may include a lower edge 228 ofthe sidewall 227 to seat in an upper groove 230 in the base 225 to mountthe sidewall 227 to the base 225. In one version, the sidewall 227 mayinclude flaps 270 that couple features 272 in the base 225. For example,the flaps 270 may include holes that engage tabs on the base 225 tosecure the sidewall 227 to the base 225.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-19, other embodiments of a container 321 mayinclude a round shape with a tiered bottom. These embodiments mayutilize any of the features or elements described for the otherembodiments. For ease of reference, the reference numerals of therectangular embodiments essentially track the reference numerals of theround embodiments, other than being in the 300s.

For example, container 321 can have at least one type of drain hole, andis illustrated with two types of drain holes 335, 337. In some versions,at least some of the drain holes 335, 337 may be located at at least twodifferent vertical elevations with respect to the axis 323 (FIG. 18). Inthe illustrated embodiments, the interior bottom 339 is not completelyflat. For example, the interior bottom 339 may be tapered, tiered,terraced, pyramidal, conical or still other shapes. In one example, ahighest elevation of the interior bottom 339 may be at the axis 323. Inanother example, a lowest elevation of the interior bottom 339 may beadjacent the sidewall 327.

Embodiments of the first type of drain hole 335 may include circulardrain holes. The first type of drain hole 335 an be located in the base325. A version of the first type of drain hole 335 may include aplurality of holes, which may be configured in circular arrays, asshown. In an example, the circular arrays may be concentric. In anotherexample, the circular arrays may be located at different verticalelevations with respect to the axis 323.

Embodiments of the second type of drain hole 337 may include slotteddrain holes. Versions of the second type of drain hole 337 may includeelongated rectangles configured in a radial array from a central portionof the base 325 to the side wall 327. In addition, the second type ofdrain hole 337 may coincide and align with tops of legs 332. Forexample, the legs 332 may extend from the second type of drain holes337, and the legs 332 may be complementary in shape to the second typeof drain holes 337.

Versions of legs 332 may further include an open structure. For example,as shown in FIG. 16, each leg 332 may include side walls 340, a backwall 342, a foot 344 and an aperture or open face 346 opposite the backwall 342. As shown in FIG. 19, such designs facilitate and enable afirst container 321 a to receive and be stacked with a second container321 b. For example, legs 332 b may extend through the second type ofdrain holes 337 a, such that the side walls 340 b, inner surfaces ofback walls 342 and feet 344 of legs 332 b are visible through open faces346 a of container 321 a.

Embodiments may include a square-containing body of four sidewalls withrounded edges. The square body has an open top extreme surrounded by anouter rounded border that is an extension of the containing body,jutting outwards forming such border. In the lower part of thecontaining body there is a base with a staggered pyramid-like structureof four sides. This structure includes at least three echelons. Thefirst echelon is located adjacent to the edge formed by the lowerperiphery of the containing body; the second and third echelons aredisposed to form a four sided staggered pyramidal structure inside thecontaining body. At each side of the first echelon and on the surfaceparallel to the base, are situated at least two equidistant round holes,preferably four holes on this first echelon. At each side of the secondechelon and on the surface parallel to the base, there is located atleast one round hole, preferably two holes.

At the outer lower part of the base and on each one of the verticesforming the sidewalls of the containing body, there is at least onesupporting means, such supporting means has an elongated structuremeasuring at least 1 cm height. The elongated structure is an extensionof the rounded edge of the containing body, preferably three supportingmeans per vertex. These supporting means are situated parallel to thevertex of the containing body and are equidistant to each other.

Such a structure is suitable for growing blueberries and raspberries insubstrate since it prevents the contact between the plant roots and thesoil due to the supporting means at the base, preventing exposing theplant to pathogenic agents, also improving drainage and root health. Thepot's staggered base reduces the wet zone also, while its shape allowscompact packing thus minimizing shipping costs.

Other versions may include a cylindrical body with a top diameter biggerthan the diameter at the base. These diameter proportions favor pottransportation allowing stacking multiple pots one on top of another.The upper part of the cylindrical body displays a peripheral border. Thebase has multiple long slits radially disposed on its outer side. Thereare preferably 6 long equidistant slits. In the same way, multipleelongated supports can be found at the base, radially and equidistantlylocated between the slits from 2 to 3 cm height, preferably 6 in numberof 3 cm height. The slits and the supporting means are configured insuch a way as to allow a free circular area at the center of the base.The free circular area is devoid of slits and supports to provide a moresolid structure to the base.

Between a given slit and a support at least one circular hole is locatedof up to 0.5 cm in diameter. Between each slit and each supporting meansthere are preferably two holes. These holes allow better drainage of thewastes coming from the substrate growing carried out within the pot'sbody.

In some versions, at the lower outer periphery of the pot's cylindricalbody and adjacent to the base square slots are located of up to about 1cm². These square slots are distributed following the same line of holesat the base between each slit and each support.

The embodiments described herein may offer substantial technicaladvantages over prior art container designs. Such designs permit airflow between the base and the ground, thus providing improved conditionsfor efficient crop production. The base has multiple supporting elementsthat prevent contact between the plant roots and the ground, thusavoiding exposure to pathogenic agents. The base also has multiple holesto permit efficient drainage of fluids resulting from plant growing.

Embodiments also may comprise one or more of the following items.

Item 1. A pot for a plant, comprising:

a container having an axis that is vertical, a base, a sidewallextending upward from the base, an interior, an exterior, drain holesextending from the interior to the exterior, an interior bottom, a planedefined in the interior and legs extending downward from the base; and

the container is configured to receive and be stacked with a secondcontainer inside of the container, the second container is substantiallyidentical to the container, such that the legs of the second containerare configured to extend through the drain holes of the container beyondthe interior bottom of the container, such that the legs of the secondcontainer are visible from the exterior of the first container.

Item 2.The pot of item 1, wherein the interior bottom is an axiallylowermost portion of the interior of the container, and the legs of thesecond container are configured to extend axially below the interiorbottom.

Item 3.The pot of item 1, wherein the legs of the second container areconfigured to extend below a lowermost portion of the exterior of thebase.

Item 4.The pot of item 1, wherein the plane is an axially lowermostplane in the interior of the container.

Item 5.The pot of item 1, wherein the container has a profile shape thatis cylindrical, frustoconical, hexagonal polygonal, rectangular orsquare.

Item 6.The pot of item 1, wherein a percentage of an axial length of thelegs of the second container are visible from the exterior of the firstcontainer, and the percentage is at least about 10%, at least about 20%,at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at leastabout 60%.

Item 7.The pot of item 1, wherein the plane is substantiallyperpendicular to the axis.

Item 8.The pot of item 1, wherein the drain holes comprise at least twodifferent types of drain holes.

Item 9.The pot of item 8, wherein a first type of drain hole comprisessubstantially rectangular drain holes.

Item 10. The pot of item 8, wherein a first type of drain hole islocated in at least one of the sidewall and the base.

Item 11. The pot of item 10, wherein the first type of drain hole islocated adjacent a perimeter of the base.

Item 12. The pot of item 8, wherein a second type of drain holecomprises circular drain holes.

Item 13. The pot of item 8, wherein a second type of drain hole islocated in the base.

Item 14. The pot of item 13, wherein the second type of drain holecomprises a plurality of holes configured in a radial array.

Item 15. The pot of item 14, wherein the radial array extends fromadjacent the axis to adjacent a perimeter of the base.

Item 16. The pot of item 8, wherein a third type of drain hole compriseselongated slot drain holes.

Item 17. The pot of item 8, wherein a third type of drain hole islocated in the base.

Item 18. The pot of item 17, wherein the third type of drain holecomprises a plurality of holes configured in a radial array.

Item 19. The pot of item 18, wherein the radial array extends fromadjacent the axis to adjacent a perimeter of the base.

Item 20. The pot of item 1, wherein the legs comprise substantially flatfins.

Item 21. The pot of item 20, wherein the flat fins are rectangular.

Item 22. The pot of item 1, wherein the legs are formed in a radialarray.

Item 23. The pot of item 22, wherein the radial array extends fromadjacent the axis to adjacent a perimeter of the base.

Item 24. The pot of item 1, wherein the legs are substantiallyperpendicular to the base.

Item 25. The pot of item 1, wherein the legs are substantiallyperpendicular to a tangent of the sidewall.

Item 26. The pot of item 1, wherein at least some of the legs haveopposing side surfaces, and the opposing side surfaces of the legs ofthe second container are configured to be visible from the exterior ofthe first container.

Item 27. The pot of item 26, wherein the legs have opposing endsurfaces, and the opposing end surfaces of the legs of the secondcontainer are configured to be visible from the exterior of the firstcontainer.

Item 28. The pot of item 27, wherein the opposing side surfaces aresubstantially perpendicular to the opposing end surfaces.

Item 29. The pot of item 1, wherein at least some of the drain holes arelocated at at least two different vertical elevations with respect tothe axis.

Item 30. The pot of item 1, wherein the drain holes are located at atleast three different elevations.

Item 31. The pot of item 1, wherein the interior bottom is not flat.

Item 32. The pot of item 31, wherein the interior bottom is tapered,terraced, pyramidal or conical.

Item 33. The pot of item 1, wherein a highest elevation of the interiorbottom is at the axis, and a lowest elevation of the interior bottom isadjacent the sidewall.

Item 34. The pot of item 1, wherein the drain holes comprise at leasttwo different types of drain holes.

Item 35. The pot of item 34, wherein a first type of drain holecomprises substantially rectangular drain holes.

Item 36. The pot of item 34, wherein a first type of drain hole islocated in at least one of the sidewall and the base.

Item 37. The pot of item 36, wherein the first type of drain hole islocated adjacent a perimeter of the base.

Item 38. The pot of item 36, wherein the sidewall comprises sidewallsthat are flat, and the first type of drain hole is located along theflat sidewalls.

Item 39. The pot of item 36, wherein the first type of drain holecomprises an inner portion that is fluted.

Item 40. The pot of item 34, wherein a second type of drain holecomprises circular drain holes.

Item 41. The pot of item 34, wherein a second type of drain hole islocated in the base.

Item 42. The pot of item 41, wherein the second type of drain holecomprises a plurality of holes configured in square arrays.

Item 43. The pot of item 42, wherein the square arrays are concentric,and located at different vertical elevations with respect to the axis.

Item 44. The pot of item 34, wherein a third type of drain holecomprises corner drain holes.

Item 45. The pot of item 44, wherein the third type of drain hole has arounded outer portion and straight side edges.

Item 46. The pot of item 45, wherein the third type of drain holecomprises an inner portion that is fluted.

Item 47. The pot of item 34, wherein at least some of the drain holesalign and coincide with the legs, such that the legs extend from said atleast some of the drain holes.

Item 48. The pot of item 47, wherein the legs are complementary in shapeto said at least some of the drain holes.

Item 49. The pot of item 1, further comprising side wall extensionsbetween the legs, the side wall extensions extend vertically downwardwith respect to the axis between the legs.

Item 50. The pot of item 49, wherein the side wall extensions comprisenotches between the legs.

Item 51. The pot of item 1, wherein the container is opaque, nottranslucent and not transparent.

Item 52. The pot of item 1, wherein, when stacked, an axial distance ofseparation between the container and the second container is configuredto be not greater than about 25 mm, not greater than about 20 mm, notgreater than about 15 mm, not greater than about 10 mm, not greater thanabout 5 mm.

Item 53. The pot of item 1, wherein bottoms of the legs of the secondcontainer are configured to be axially spaced apart from bottoms of thelegs of the container by not greater than about 25 mm, not greater thanabout 20 mm, not greater than about 15 mm, not greater than about 10 mm,not greater than about 5 mm.

Item 54. The pot of item 1, wherein the pot is configured to be usedwithout a tray to capture or retain fluid in the pot during operation,such that the drain holes remain uncovered and unhindered duringoperation at all times.

Item 55. The pot of item 1, wherein the base is removably coupled to thesidewall such that the base and the sidewall comprise two separatecomponents that are configured to be assembled together.

Item 56. The pot of item 55, wherein the base and the sidewall areformed from two different materials.

Item 57. The pot of item 55, wherein the base is thicker than thesidewall.

Item 58. The pot of item 55, wherein a lower edge of the sidewall seatsin an upper groove in the base to mount the sidewall to the base.

Item 59. The pot of item 55, wherein the sidewall comprises flaps thatinsert through apertures in the base, and the flaps comprise holes thatengage tabs on the base to secure the sidewall to the base.

Item 60. A stack of containers, comprising:

a first container having an axis that is vertical, a base, a sidewallextending axially upward from the base, an interior, an exterior, drainholes extending from the interior to the exterior, an interior bottom, arim at an upper portion and legs at a lower portion; and

a second container, substantially identical to the first container,stacked inside of the first container, such that both the rim and thelegs of the second container are visible from the exterior of the firstcontainer.

Item 62. A pot for a plant, comprising:

a container that is round and has an axis that is vertical, a base, asidewall extending upward from the base, an interior, an exterior, atleast two different types of drain holes extending from the interior tothe exterior, an interior bottom, and legs extending downward from thebase;

a first type of drain hole is located adjacent a perimeter of the basein at least one of the sidewall and the base;

a second type of drain hole is located in the base and comprises aplurality of holes configured in a radial array; and

the legs comprise substantially flat fins that are configured in aradial array.

Item 63. A pot for a plant, comprising:

a container that is rectangular and has an axis that is central andvertical, a base, sidewalls extending upward from the base, an interior,an exterior, at least two different types of drain holes extending fromthe interior to the exterior, an interior bottom that is not flat, andlegs extending downward from the base;

a first type of drain hole is formed in at least one of the sidewall andthe base, and located adjacent a perimeter of the base; and

a second type of drain holes located in the base and at a differentvertical elevation that the first type of drain holes.

Item 64. A pot for a plant, comprising:

a container having an axis that is vertical, a base, a sidewallextending upward from the base, an interior, an exterior, drain holesextending from the interior to the exterior, an interior bottom, andlegs extending downward from the base; and

the base is removably coupled to the sidewall such that the base and thesidewall comprise two separate components that are configured to beassembled together.

This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments,including the best mode, and also to enable those of ordinary skill inthe art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope is definedby the claims, and may include other examples that occur to thoseskilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within thescope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differfrom the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalentstructural elements with insubstantial differences from the literallanguages of the claims.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the generaldescription or the examples are required, that a portion of a specificactivity may not be required, and that one or more further activitiesmay be performed in addition to those described. Still further, theorder in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order inwhich they are performed.

In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described withreference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in theclaims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofinvention.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is notnecessarily limited only to those features but may include otherfeatures not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements andcomponents described herein. This is done merely for convenience and togive a general sense of the scope of the invention. This descriptionshould be read to include one or at least one and the singular alsoincludes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature of any or all the claims.

After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate thatcertain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context ofseparate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately or in any subcombination. Further, references to valuesstated in ranges include each and every value within that range.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A stack of containers for plants, the stackcomprising: a first container having an axis that is vertical, a base, asidewall extending upward from the base, an interior, an exterior, drainholes extending from the interior to the exterior, an interior bottom, aplane defined in the interior and legs extending downward from the base,the drain holes comprise at least two different types of drain holes atdifferent vertical elevations with respect to the axis, and at leastsome of the drain holes are leg drain holes in the legs; and the firstcontainer is co-axially stacked with a second container inside of thefirst container, the second container is substantially identical to thefirst container, such that the legs of the second container extendbeyond the plane of the first container, and such that the legs of thesecond container are visible through at least some of the drain holesfrom the exterior of the first container.
 22. The stack of claim 21,wherein the interior bottom is an axially lowermost portion of theinterior of the container, and the legs of the second container arcconfigured to extend axially below the interior bottom.
 23. The stack ofclaim 21, wherein the legs of the second container extend below alowermost portion of the exterior of the sidewall.
 24. The stack ofclaim 21, wherein the plane is not an axially lowermost plane in theinterior of the first container.
 25. The stack of claim 21, wherein thefirst container has a profile shape that is cylindrical, frustoconical,hexagonal, polygonal, rectangular or square,
 26. The stack of claim 21,wherein'a percentage of an axial length of the legs of the secondcontainer are visible from the exterior of the first container, and thepercentage is at least about 10%.
 27. (canceled)
 28. The stack of claim21, wherein the drain holes comprise: a first type of drain holecomprising substantially rectangular drain holes; a second type of drainhole comprising circular drain holes; and a third type of drain hole.29. The stack of claim 28, further comprising a fourth type of drainhole.
 30. The, stack of claim 21, wherein at least some of the legs haveside surfaces, and the side surfaces of the legs of the second containerare visible from the exterior of the first container.
 31. The stack ofclaim 30, wherein the legs have end surfaces, and the end surfaces ofthe legs of the second container are visible from the exterior of thefirst container.
 32. (canceled)
 33. The stack of claim 21, wherein theinterior bottom is tapered, terraced, pyramidal or conical.
 34. Thestack of claim 21, wherein a highest elevation, of the interior bottomis at the axis, and a lowest elevation of the interior bottom isadjacent the sidewall.
 35. The stack of claim 21, wherein the drainholes comprise: a first type of drain hole comprising substantiallyrectangular drain holes; a second type of drain hole comprising circulardrain holes; and a third type of drain hole comprising circular drainholes.
 36. The stack of claim 21, wherein the leg drain holes align andcoincide with the legs.
 37. The stack of claim 21, wherein, whenstacked, an axial distance of separation between the first container andthe second container is configured to be not greater than about 25 mm.38. The stack. of claim 21, wherein at least some of the drain holes arelocated at least three different vertical elevations with respect to theaxis.
 39. A stack of containers, comprising: a first container having anaxis that is vertical, a base, a sidewall extending upward from thebase, an interior, an exterior, drain holes extending from the interiorto the exterior, at least some of the chain holes are leg drain holes inthe legs, and a rim at an upper portion and leas extending from thebase; and a second container, substantially identical to the firstcontainer, stacked inside of the first container, such that the legs ofthe second container extend into the legs of the first container, andboth the rim and the legs of the second container are visible from theexterior of the first container.
 40. A stack of containers for plants,the stack comprising: a first container having an axis that is vertical,a base, a sidewall extending upward from the base, an interior, anexterior, drain holes extending from the interior to the exterior andlegs extending downward from the base, wherein the drain holes compriseat least four different types of drains holes, and at least three of thedifferent types of drain holes are located at different verticalelevations with respect to the axis; and the first container is stackedwith a second container inside of the first container, and the secondcontainer is substantially identical to the first container.